Abercrombie & Fitch 2015 Annual Report Download - page 3

Table of Contents
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
GENERAL.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (“A&F”), a company incorporated in Delaware in 1996, through its subsidiaries (collectively, A&F and
its subsidiaries are referred to as “Abercrombie & Fitch” or the “Company”), is a specialty retailer that primarily operates stores
and direct-to-consumer operations. Through these channels, the Company sells a broad array of products, including: casual
sportswear apparel, including knit tops and woven shirts, graphic t-shirts, fleece, jeans and woven pants, shorts, sweaters, and
outerwear; personal care products; and accessories for men, women and kids under the Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids,
and Hollister brands. As of January 30, 2016, the Company operated 754 stores in the United States (“U.S.”) and 178 stores outside
of the U.S.
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31, typically resulting in a fifty-two week year, but occasionally
giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a fifty-three week year. Fiscal years are designated in the consolidated financial
statements and notes, as well as the remainder of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, by the calendar year in which the fiscal year
commenced. All references herein to “Fiscal 2015” represent the fifty-two week fiscal year ended January 30, 2016; to “Fiscal
2014” represent the fifty-two week fiscal year ended January 31, 2015; and to “Fiscal 2013” represent the fifty-two week fiscal
year ended February 1, 2014. In addition, all references herein to “Fiscal 2016” represent the fifty-two week fiscal year that will
end on January 28, 2017.
A&F makes available free of charge on its Internet website, www.abercrombie.com, under “Investors, SEC Filings,” its annual
reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well
as A&F’s definitive proxy materials filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after A&F
electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC maintains
a website that contains electronic filings by A&F and other issuers at www.sec.gov. In addition, the public may read and copy any
materials A&F files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public
may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
The Company has included its Internet website addresses throughout this filing as textual references only. The information
contained within these Internet websites is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATIONS.
Brands.
Abercrombie & Fitch. Abercrombie & Fitch stands for effortless American style. Since 1892, the brand has been known for its
attention to detail with designs that embody simplicity and casual luxury. Rooted in a heritage of quality craftsmanship, Abercrombie
& Fitch continues to bring its customers iconic, modern classics with an aspirational look, feel, and attitude.
abercrombie kids. abercrombie kids stands for American style with a fun, youthful attitude. Known for its made-to-play durability,
comfort and on-trend designs, abercrombie kids makes cool, classic clothing that kids truly want to wear.
Hollister. Hollister is the fantasy of Southern California. Inspired by beautiful beaches, open blue skies, and sunshine, Hollister
lives the dream of an endless summer. Hollister's laidback lifestyle makes every design effortlessly cool and totally accessible.
Hollister brings Southern California to the world.
Refer to the “RESULTS OF OPERATIONS” in “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding net sales by
brand and by geography.